JEDDAH, 12 January 2003 — The Central Haj Committee met here yesterday and reviewed preparations for the upcoming Haj season, especially the arrangements for transporting pilgrims and providing them with essential commodities.
The meeting, chaired by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, discussed Saudi Arabian Airlines’ plan to transport more pilgrims this year from different parts of the world.
The meeting urged the airline to complete arrival and departure formalities for the pilgrims within an hour of their arrival and to ensure 100 percent aviation security.
Mohammed Al-Shafie, secretary of the committee, said the meeting also reviewed the preparations at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah to receive the pilgrims.
As many as 1.5 million pilgrims are expected to arrive from abroad to take part in the annual pilgrimage this year. They will be joined by more than 500,000 Saudis and expatriates in the Kingdom.
Shafie said the Haj committee meeting reviewed the plans of the Saudi Red Crescent Society in providing first aid to the guests of God as well as the Makkah Municipality’s plans to ensure cleanliness in the holy city.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Sajeeni, director of the Passports Department, stated yesterday that his department has completed all preparations to receive the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at the Kingdom’s various entry points.
“We have worked out a complete plan to receive the pilgrims,” Sajeeni said, adding that the plan centers on facilitating procedures and helping the pilgrims arrive in Makkah and Madinah at the shortest possible time.
Sajeeni said his department has deployed an adequate number of officers at airports, seaports and border entry points to handle the massive Haj traffic.
Sajeeni called upon Saudis and expatriates intending to perform Haj this year to apply for Haj permits well in advance.
